Daily Inspiration by Dr. Jerry Burton

Anger is a CHOICE! Watch It!

“He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” Proverbs 14.29

“ … slow to wrath … “ Have you ever seen as many people who seem to be “angry” all the time as we encounter today? When Solomon speaks here, he is espousing wisdom that God has given him in his life experiences. If we understand that ANGER (wrath) is a choice, that changes the perspective on our behavior. When I respond with anger to someone, they have no idea why I am angry. They simply receive the brunt of my anger even they have done nothing to me.
Solomon tells us that “He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding”. How are being “slow to wrath” and having “great understanding” tied together? A person who is “slow to wrath” takes the time to listen carefully and to assess what is being said and making an honest attempt to “understand.” That seems a much more reasonable approach and it is guaranteed to produce a different response from those whom we encounter.
“ … he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.” One translation says, “he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.” We have all heard someone described as “having a short fuse” and we know that is a reference to their quick angry response to almost any situation. So, here is the challenge for you and me today … as Christ-followers, we have no reason to exalt folly, so that requires of us that we be “slow to wrath” and listen carefully to a situation and assess it fully so that we may have “great understanding.” That is far better than having a “hasty spirit” and exalting folly. Just my thoughts …